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G7 Foreign Ministers Meet in Niagara to Hear Ukraine’s Plea Amid Escalating War

Top diplomats from the Group of Seven (G7) nations gathered in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario , for high-stakes talks with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister as Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine’s power grid. The meeting, hosted by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand , comes at a critical moment as rolling blackouts sweep across Ukraine ahead of winter. Foreign ministers from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union posed for a family photo before beginning discussions. Ukraine’s foreign minister is expected to brief the group on the humanitarian and security consequences of Russia’s latest attacks, which have left millions vulnerable to freezing temperatures. The summit is not limited to Ukraine. Ministers are also addressing broader geopolitical challenges, including instability in the Middle East and shifting trade relationships. Still, Ukraine remains the centerpiece of the agenda, with G7 leaders reaffirming ...
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U.S. Eases Tariffs on Small Chinese Parcels, Offering Relief to E-Commerce Giants

 

In a significant shift in trade policy, the United States has announced a reduction in the "de minimis" tariff on low-value parcels imported from China. The tariff, previously set at 120%, will now be lowered to 54%, effective May 14, 2025. This move comes as part of broader trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing aimed at de-escalating tensions.

The tariff adjustment primarily impacts Chinese e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu, which have relied on the de minimis exemption to ship low-cost goods directly to American consumers. Under the new policy, packages valued at up to $800 will be subject to either the 54% tariff or a flat fee of $100 per item, depending on the carrier's preference.

Industry experts suggest that while the reduction provides temporary relief, it still represents a substantial cost increase compared to the previous duty-free status. Jianlong Hu, CEO of Brands Factory, noted that the golden era of small-package deliveries from China to the U.S. may be coming to an end.

The tariff cut follows a broader agreement between the U.S. and China to unwind many of the duties imposed since early April. While the de minimis exemption was initially eliminated by the Trump administration in February, citing concerns over its exploitation by Chinese firms, the latest rollback signals a more pragmatic approach to trade relations.

Despite the tariff reduction, Chinese retailers may need to rethink their logistics strategies, with some expected to shift more shipments to sea freight or U.S.-based warehouses to mitigate rising costs. As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, businesses and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact cross-border commerce.

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